Dbq Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement began in the early 1950's aiming to win equality of treatment for black and whites. Black people were faced with prejudices, violence, discrimination, and even poverty. Nearly everything was segregated, stretching from park benches and water fountains to major segregation laws. This had to changed. Through courage, persistence, and determination African- Americans earned their rights and equality. The Civil Rights Movement helped people realize how powerful their voices can be, this changed American entirely. The Civil Rights Movement from 1955- 1965 has influenced the decisions Americans makes today and will continue to make in the future. This mass movement was success because of presidential and supreme court action, …show more content…
Through targeting the worst cases of injustices and discrimination, the members of the movement created media attention and made more people aware of the gross disrespect and prejudices African-Americans faced. They were extremely disciplined in using nonviolent direct action to protest in order to gain the moral high ground. This made the protesters look innocent and helpless, these acts affect the whole society and economy. Through boycotting public busses and getting arrested for sit-ins and marching in the streets peacefully the government was pressured into acting. For example, in Birmingham, Alabama police used high-pressure water hoses and police attack dogs on children and adult protesters. This horrendous act drew the world's attention to racial segregation in the South. It burnished Martin Luther King's reputation and made the Birmingham Police Department look extremely cruel and intolerant. This act gained high political conversation and later forced desegregation in …show more content…
Kennedy did not fully support the civil rights movement, however after the crisis in Birmingham he changed his mind. President Kennedy saw the Birmingham crisis as a sign of weakness and inequality in America. He wanted America to be seen as prosperous, equal, and better than the Soviets, so he fully supported the movement. He wanted America to be seen as a power and a leader for all and Birmingham depicted America to be just the opposite. President Kennedy paved the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibited racial discrimination in hiring practices and public services throughout the United States. After President Kennedy’s assassination, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This gave African-Americans their